New Kia Sportage 2026: Restyling previewed in first images

Facelift will bring the medium SUV up to date with a new front end, revised headlights and more technology

Photo by: Kia

By: Dyogo Fagundes

Oct 29, 2024 at 5:27am ET

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On sale internationally since 2021, the current generation of the Kia Sportage is soon to receive an update. As part of the so-called mid-life restyling, the model will receive adjustments to remain competitive against its main rivals and will also add more technology. Details can already be seen in the first teasers released by the brand.

As always with mid-cycle restylings, the main new features will be concentrated at the front. In this sense, the 2026 Sportage will have larger, vertically shaped headlights inspired by the latest Kia launches. The LED daytime running lights, slimmer grille and slightly redesigned bumper will also stand out.

New Kia Sportage 2026 - Teasers

Source: Kia

On the sides, there are only changes to the design of the alloy wheels, with specific elements for each version. The rear, meanwhile, will have repositioned taillamps with internal elements and, as with the front, a slightly revised bumper. The new features will be applied to both the elongated body (sold in regions such as South Korea, North America and Australia) and the shorter model, destined for Europe and Brazil.

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The mechanics will remain the same, as the powertrains currently on offer are still relatively efficient and in line with the global market's anti-pollution regulations. Depending on the region, the current Sportage has 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol engines, as well as 1.5 T-GDI, 1.6 T-GDI and 2.0 T-GDI (turbo petrol with direct injection) units as well as 1.6 CRDi and 2.0 CRDi diesel options and hybrid versions - both MHEV (micro-hybrid) and PHEV (plug-in). Gearboxes can be manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automated or 6- or 8-speed automatic.

In the UK, the Sportage is powered by the with 160 PS 1.6-litre petrol mild hybrid, a 215 PS full hybrid and a 253 PS plug-in hybrid, the latter offering an electric range of 40 miles. The list also includes the 136 PS 1.6 mild hybrid diesel version.. The facelift should arrive here next year, after being launched on the international market in November.